OBJECTIVE: Medical baths containing sulfur are used for treatment of rheumatic diseases. The purpose of the study is to examine the analgesic effects by use of thiosulfate bath Schwefelbad Dr Klopfer N (Protina GmbH, Ismaning) in patients with local tendomyopathy by pressure algometry. STUDY DESIGN: The study was based on the international conventions on drug research in medicine. We used a double blind design with random assignment to two treatment groups of 23 and 22 patients (verum and placebo). Admission of patients with local tendomyopathy was controlled by critera of inclusion and exclusion. All patients were treated with standard physical therapy during their stay in a private clinic. In addition, each group was given 9 baths of 37 degrees C for 20 minutes over a period of 3 weeks. The packing for verum (Schwefelbad Dr Klopfer N) and placebo (same preparation without sulfur) was not distinguishable. METHODS: The minimum pressure to induce a pain sensation was determined at 4 timepoints over the course of treatment on 16 palpatorable tender or trigger points and on one individual point of maximal pain. Moreover, the general subjective well being was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the handicap of movement, the pain of movement, and the pain of rest were evaluated by scores. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of treatment, the pain thresholds of the Schwefelbad Dr Klopfer N group showed statistically significant improvement in comparison both with the initial values and with the placebo group. These results agree with the course of the VAS scores and the answers about the different kinds of pain. CONCLUSION: Schwefelbad Dr Klopfer N with thiosulfate is an effective therapeutic measure in the treatment of local tendomyopathy.

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